Say goodbye to a piece of Disney history—Aladar and Dino-Sue have officially been removed from the former DINOSAUR Courtyard at Animal Kingdom, marking the end of an era. But here's where it gets emotional: these iconic figures, which have greeted guests since 1998, are now gone as part of the park’s transformation into the Tropical Americas. Thanks to the keen eye of @bioreconstruct on X, we have a firsthand look at the changes, including the demolition of the entire courtyard and the removal of Aladar, the reflection pools, and surrounding planters. The DINOSAUR marquee, featuring the Carnotaurus and meteors, remains for now, but it’s likely on borrowed time as the building is reimagined as a Mayan Temple for the upcoming Indiana Jones attraction.
And this is the part most people miss: the replica of Sue the T. rex, which once stood proudly along the pathway to DINOSAUR, has also been removed, though her podium remains. Sue’s story is nothing short of fascinating—discovered in 1990 by Sue Hendrickson in the Black Hills of South Dakota, she remains the largest and most complete T. rex specimen ever found. After a contentious legal battle over ownership, the fossils were sold for $8.3 million to the Field Museum of Natural History in 1997, with Disney Parks and McDonald’s playing a key role. Disney even created their own cast of Sue, which was displayed at DinoLand, U.S.A. while the original fossils were prepared for the museum.
Controversial question: Is the removal of these beloved landmarks a necessary step for progress, or is it erasing too much of Animal Kingdom’s history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Meanwhile, other areas of the park are evolving. The space near Restaurantosaurus remains largely untouched, though plans suggest it will be reimagined as a large hacienda-style quick-service restaurant, serving Colombian-inspired dishes that Disney has been testing. The former walkway dividing construction zones is now gone, replaced by an excavator perched atop broken concrete. The future carousel, featuring wood carvings of Disney animal characters, is taking shape, with structural framing and utility conduits already in place. Concrete forms nearby hint at a potential queue area for the attraction.
Construction on the Encanto ride building is also well underway, with interior framework and roofing elements progressing steadily. The ride will feature a Casita façade and take place during the film’s timeline, though it promises to expand beyond the original story. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many are excited for the new attractions, some fans mourn the loss of DinoLand’s unique charm. Is Disney striking the right balance between innovation and preservation?
DinoLand U.S.A. closed in phases from January 2025 to February 2026, and while we’ve said goodbye to Aladar, Dino-Sue, and other beloved spots, the park’s transformation continues. What are your thoughts on these changes? Are you excited for what’s to come, or do you wish some elements had stayed? Share your opinions on social media and join the conversation!
For the latest updates on Disney Parks, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The future of Animal Kingdom is here—and it’s sparking debates at every turn.
